Ref: BCW41219
You will be given access to online content from Friday 15 January 2027 prior to attending practical workshop and lecture sessions at the College from Monday 15 - Thursday 18 February 2027.
Online content includes a brief introduction and guidance on a practical exercise in analysis and assessment of historic mortar on a building of your choice. Based on this mortar survey exercise, you will present a short informal presentation (approx. 10 minutes) to the group during the evening sessions, outlining the results of your survey.
Course content includes:
This course is open to anyone with an interest in historic buildings and their conservation. It is designed for those with some knowledge of building conservation who wish to develop their practical skills and experience. BCM students typically include a mix of building professionals and practitioners. Participants normally find that interaction with others on the course is a key part of their learning experience. If you have no knowledge in the field of building conservation, you may find you need to do additional reading or other work to benefit fully from the course. This course is one of the seven core Building Conservation Masterclasses required for completion of the PDD (Professional Development Diploma) in Historic Building Conservation and Repair. Access to online elements will expire on 31 March 2027.
Historic England, Practical Building Conservation volume, Mortars Plasters & Renders. Essential personal protective equipment will be provided for workshop sessions in the Ruinette.
Digital copies of the short assignment on mortar analysis (as Powerpoint - ppt, Adobe - pdf, or other readily accessible, stable file format) should be submitted to the course leader prior to a brief presentation (approx. 10 minutes) in advance of the evening sessions. For practical sessions students should bring their own footwear and clothing suitable for a workshop environment. Work boots and overalls to protect clothing are recommended.
Day 1 Arrival Day - Monday, 15 February
17.00 - 18.30 Arrival and Registration / Check-in at Reception18.30 - Meet in Sussex Bar
19.00 - 20.00 Dinner
20.00 - 21.00 Evening session. Introduction to course delegates and tutors. Brief Introductory Lecture.
Day 2 – Tuesday, 16 February
9.00am – 1.00pm – Combination of lectures, demonstrations and practical sessions in the Ruinette workshop, with mid-morning Tea & Coffee break in Carrington Suite
1.00 - 1.45pm Lunch – Main House
2.00 – 5.00pm – Combination of lectures, demonstrations and practical sessions in the Ruinette workshop, with mid-morning Tea & Coffee break in Carrington Suite
6.30 - 7.45pm Dinner – Main House
8.00 - 9.00pm - Students' presentations (analysis of historic mortar on selected building) in line with online course information.
Day 3 - Wednesday, 17 February
9.00am – 1.00pm Combination of lectures, demonstrations and practical sessions in the Ruinette workshop, with mid-morning Tea & Coffee break in Carrington Suite
1.00 - 1.45pm Lunch – Main House
2.00 - 5.00pm – Combination of lectures, demonstrations and practical sessions in the Ruinette workshop, with mid-morning Tea & Coffee break in Carrington Suite
6.30 - 7.45pm Dinner – Main House
8.00 – 9.00pm - Students' presentations (analysis of historic mortar on selected building) in line with online course information.
Day 4 -Thursday, 18 February
9.00am – 1.00pm Combination of lectures, demonstrations and practical sessions in the Ruinette workshop, with mid-morning Tea & Coffee break in Carrington Suite
1.00 - 1.45pm Lunch – Main House
2.00 - 3.00pm – Practical sessions in Ruinette workshop
3.00 - 3.30pm - Questions and Comments, Issue of Course Certificates 3.30 pm – Depart (Tea and Coffee available prior to departure)
Is it possible to book only the online or onsite part of the course?
The course is only available as a joint online and onsite course and both elements must be completed.
Can I book accommodation for the onsite part of the course?
Yes, to book accommodation or find out about accommodation prices please call 01243 818300 (option 2) or email [email protected].
What technologies are used to deliver the online part of the course?
We use Moodle, a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), for all your course materials. This is a system for delivering learning materials via the Internet. It offers you flexible access to all the course content, which is available to you for the duration of the course.
Do the course videos have subtitles for hearing impaired people?
Yes, our course videos have the option to display closed captions in English.
How do I access the online course?
You will receive your login details by email before the course start date.
What computer set-up will I need for the online element of the course?
You can watch our courses on all computers and devices – Mac, PC, Mobile and Tablet – with an Internet connection and a modern internet browser (see "What Web Browser do you recommend" below). Some of the course resources are presented as PDF files, which will require a PDF viewer such as Adobe Reader.
What web browser do you recommend?
Moodle is compatible with any standards compliant web browser, for example, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. It is mobile responsive so you can also log in through a mobile browser. (You cannot access West Dean’s Moodle through any Moodle app).
If you join a Teams meeting through a browser on your computer (rather than the Teams app) you will need to use Edge or Chrome.
If you join a Teams meeting on your phone, you will need to use the free Microsoft Teams app.
Please make sure to keep your browser/app updated to the latest version.
What do I do if I experience technical issues?
If you have checked the technical requirements above and are using a suitable browser but the problem persists, email [email protected] with the details of your problem (including a screenshot if useful) for advice.
I’ve lost my login details, what do I do?
If you have deleted your login information please contact [email protected].
Nick Barnfield is a freelance sculpture conservator and stonemason. He largely sub-contracts to a handful of conservation firms specialising in conservation of sculpture, church monuments and decorative stone found within stately homes and museums.
Nick Durnan - BCM Course Leader
Nick Durnan originally trained as a stone mason at Canterbury Cathedral and went on to study for a degree in carving and conservation at the City and Guilds of London Art School.
Subject Leader - Historic Building Conservation and Repair
Catherine Woolfitt is an archaeologist and architectural conservator and has worked in the conservation of the built heritage since 1993. With wide-ranging work experience in Italy, Israel and the UK, her experience bridges the museum, object, and building conservation sectors.
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